I'm in the market for a replacement for my 56 reg Saab 9-3 as I want to save myself the monthly payments. So I researched cars which were safe, could seat 3 kids across the back, looked the part and had that certain level of quality I'm looking for - don't want to turn up to a meeting in a vauxhall Meriva. I've settled on the V70 and have found one reasonably locally for £1995. It's a V reg 2.5D SE which has done 152000miles. It's been serviced exclusively by Volvo main dealers and, from the photos at least, looks very tidy. MOT till May but no road tax.

Is there anything I should be wary of? Is its mileage a concern? Are the two seats in the boot really practical at all? Are they really as horrendous on tyres as I read? Should the gear box last a bit longer?

I know it's very hard to say, but in general terms, is a high mileage V70 as good a bargain as I hope?

 

I have owned quite a few V70's with 200,000 plus miles. Make sure timing belt has been serviced, ABS board goes bad sometimes, a cheap fix about 150.00 usd, I have replaced a few drive axles 64 USD, Lower Control armsand Ball joint assembly is another thing to check 120 USD, but overall great vehicles. My favorite is a turbo FWD best balance of power and traction. AWD is nice but worse on fuel and handle a little soft for me. Third seat is great for kids and they will fight to sit back there. I like the optional bolster that covers the thin seat bottom though. Only drawback of bolster is seat wont fold into floor when it is installed but it sits in garage when not being used. Overall I have owned over a dozen volvo's and I like the 850 and V70 the best. I presently have a 99xc with 162K Miles on her. Thats my2C. Happy Driving!!!